TWIPO #43 ~ Langerhans cell histiocytosis : Interview With Carl E. Allen

New York, NY -- In the most recent episode of This Week in Pediatric Oncology (TWiPO), the first podcast focusing on pediatric cancer research, co-hosts Dr. Edwin Horwitz (Nationwide Children’s Hospital), Dr. Nilay Shah (Nationwide Children’s Hospital),  Dr. Robyn Dennis (Nationwide Children's Hospital), interview Dr.  Carl E. Allen, (Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers) about his research in a rare pediatric blood disorder known as Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).

Dr. Allen is Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology - Baylor College of Medicine, and the Co-Director of the Histiocytosis and Lymphoma Programs at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers.  His primary research is focused on the clinical and biologic aspects of LCH.  Along with Dr. Kenneth McClain, Dr. Carl Allen has developed the largest Histiocytosis Center in the world.  Dr. Allen has developed gene expression and proteomic strategies to analyze the identity and function of the cells that cause LCH.  The ultimate goal of these experiments is to identify genes, proteins, and pathways that may be used to diagnose and cure patients with LCH.  These experiments may also provide insight into dendritic cell biology and tumor immunology.

In this 20-minute episode, Dr. Allen gives an overview of LCH, as well as treatment and the future of LCH research.